Yuvraj may miss World Cup

Injured India batsman Yuvraj Singh may require knee surgery and could be ruled out of the World Cup in March-April, a team physiotherapist said on Tuesday.

Yuvraj had injured his left knee on the eve of their crucial Champions Trophy group A match against Australia at Mohali on October 29 while playing kho-kho as a warm-up exercise prior to the net session.

"It will be touch and go for the World Cup because of the length of time it takes to recover from such an injury," Andrew Leipus, consultant physio with the Indian board, said.

"My understanding is he will have to undergo surgery as the torn ligament needs to be reconstructed," Leipus said.

Leipus was India's physio for five years until 2004 and now works as a consultant.

To be re-assessed on Nov 13

The middle order batsman would be re-assessed on November 13 by the BCCI's sports medicine consultant Dr Anant Joshi.

"Yuvraj will be re-examined by Dr Joshi in the presence of team physiotherapist John Gloster and only then can a correct picture emerge about the progress he has made. A media statement would be issued only then," BCCI's Chief Administrative Officer Ratnkar Shetty said on Tuesday.

Shetty rubbished television reports on Tuesday based on quotes from physio Andrew Leipus, a former support staff in the Board and said only on November 13 could anything certain be said on the issue.

The injury seems to have sidelined the left-handed batsman for the South Africa tour starting on November 19. He has already been ruled out of the one-dayers which will be played first.

The left-hander was advised to follow some exercises and use crutches to take the load off the injured knee by Joshi who examined the player here on October 30.